Changes improve ergonomics, communications and visibility 
The Velocity custom chassis is the company’s most popular model
Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation company, today introduced a series of advances for the Velocity™ chassis, the company's most popular custom apparatus. The improved version was unveiled today in Indianapolis at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) at booth #9404.
"We continue to listen to our customers, and these product advances represent an evolution of the Velocity resulting in improved ergonomics and enhanced communication capabilities and visibility," said Wilson Jones, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency. "At Pierce, our engineering and product development teams are constantly evaluating and developing ways to improve every vehicle in our line-up so our customers have the apparatus that helps them do their job best."
The Velocity was first introduced in 2006 with significant customer input. The recent advancements are located inside the cab, and include a wide range of ergonomic improvements. Notably, the center instrument console has been redesigned and lowered by three inches to enhance communications as well as visibility for the officer side window.
Other improvements include:
- A more compact center instrument console for improved communications capability between the operator and officer, while providing more space for mounting map boxes, trays and computers
- Repositioned Command Zone™ display for at-a-glance viewing
- Increased officer work area providing more room for equipment mounting
- Lowered defroster cover (2.5-inches) for enhanced outward visibility
- Repositioned HVAC controls within comfortable reach of the driver while still being accessible to the officer when needed
- Repositioned transmission shifter on the console so it is at the driver's fingertips
In addition, the Velocity now offers an all-new, electronic power step option. Available on half-height doors, the power steps feature a reliable, electrically actuated two-step design. The power steps (available on all four doors) allow for easier entry and exit from the cab and feature slip resistant surfaces that meet NFPA 1901 requirements with a perfect score.
"In a very short time, the Velocity has become a tremendously popular chassis with a loyal and growing customer base," added Jones. "These latest improvements will ensure that the Velocity remains the top selling custom chassis in North America."
The Velocity chassis can be specified in a wide range of pumper, rescue and aerial configurations, including the industry-changing Pierce Ultimate Configuration (PUC).
